After an hour on the road, Rimby and Gandy finally arrived at Gandy's cousin's house. It was quite a long distance, even by car.
Gandy opened the car door for his wife, then took her arm affectionately.
As they walked, a young woman suddenly approached them.
She was in her late twenties, seven years younger than Gandy—but older than Rimby.
Even so, she was Rimby's own younger sister-in-law, despite being older than her.
That was simply what the family tree required.
“Gandy? Rimby? You just got here? No wonder I couldn't find you inside—I didn't see you anywhere. The event's about to start.” Rimby's sister-in-law greeted them warmly.
Her name was Sera.
Rimby smiled, showing her teeth. “Hehe, sorry, kid. We had a little husband-and-wife drama before leaving.”
“Is everyone in the family already inside, Sera?” Gandy asked.
Sera nodded. “Of course... But the groom's bride-to-be isn't done getting ready yet. So everyone is just waiting for her.”
“We probably still have time. We'd better head inside so we don't attract too much attention,” Rimby said.
Gandy and Sera nodded together in agreement.
Rimby, Gandy, and Sera then entered the house, heading straight for the main hall.
The entire extended family had already gathered. Everyone was there, young and old alike.
Since every seat was already occupied, Rimby and Gandy had to sit in the very back.
Sera had already found a seat with her husband in the middle row. She said goodbye to her two older siblings and immediately joined him.
The main event was about to begin.
A solemn atmosphere began to fill the room. Even though it was only an ordinary “Rembugan,” having the entire extended family gathered in one room naturally made Rimby and Gandy feel tense.
An hour later, the event finally ended.
For introverts like Rimby and Gandy, events like this drained their social batteries.
But they were already used to dealing professionally with lots of people, so gatherings like this didn't put them under any mental strain.
They could still relax and enjoy the conversations and food until it was time to go home.
Rimby was sitting alone, sampling a chocolate lava cake. Why was she alone? Gandy was getting drinks for himself and Rimby.
The house was so spacious that the seating area was quite a distance from the food.
Especially if someone tried to strike up a conversation while you were choosing what to eat.
Luckily, the cake Rimby was enjoying wasn't cloyingly sweet, so she could manage without a drink for the time being.
While she was happily eating her cake, a woman in her forties suddenly sat down beside Rimby without asking permission first.
“You're Rimby, right? Gandy's wife? The one who got married last year?” the woman asked.
Rimby immediately stopped eating and turned toward the voice.
It turned out to be Gandy's female cousin. Her name was Yira. She was the mother of the boy who would be the groom at the upcoming wedding.
Rimby straightened her posture to be more polite. “Yes, Yira. Sorry I spaced out for a moment—I was a little startled when someone suddenly sat down next to me.”
Yira chuckled softly. “Haha, it's okay. I'm the one who should've said hello first. You looked like you were really enjoying that cake.”
Rimby gave her a sweet but awkward smile, nervous at being spoken to by the hostess.
“Make sure you come on the big day, Rimby. Don't miss it. It's such a sacred occasion—all the family members have to be there to celebrate.” Yira spoke warmly.
Rimby nodded enthusiastically. “Of course, Yira~. I'll definitely be there from the beginning of the event until it ends. Don't worry, I won't disappoint you.”
“Oh, by the way, I see it's still just the two of you. You're not pregnant yet?” Yira asked, instantly making the air around Rimby feel like it was choking her.